Mayor Joann Gattinelli looks back on recent Christmas events held in Washington Township
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
I was happy to kick off Washington Township’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Washington Lake Park Amphitheater on Dec. 1. This Washington Township tradition is a great way to bring our community together to kick-off the holiday season. Residents and visitors enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies donated from Liscio’s Bakery in a heated tent. Families and children were happy to be greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Freeholder Daniel Christy and Councilmen Joe Perry and Sean Longfellow also joined the festivities, along with Councilwoman Angela Donato and Business Administrator Jason Gonter. I would like to thank the Washington Township High School Choir for volunteering their time to sing Christmas carols during this event. I would also like to thank our parks and recreation and public works staff for all of their efforts in putting this large event together for our community.
Thirtieth annual Christmas House Tours
I was honored to be a part of the 30th annual Christmas House Tour on Dec. 4. I presented proclamations to the five homeowners who hosted and took time to decorate their homes, as well as Calvary Chapel, which were all chosen to be a part of the Christmas House Tours this year. Throughout the years, this annual tradition has celebrated 163 homes and 19 churches for their spectacular Christmas decorations. Not only is this a fun event for all, but all of the proceeds go toward student scholarships. In the last 30 years, the Wedgwood Women’s Club has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to Washington Township High School seniors, of which $78,000 went to women returning to school at Rowan University and $21,000 to help with the cost of books. In addition, an Endowment Scholarship Fund was created with Rowan University, which allows a $2,000 scholarship to be awarded each year. I appreciate the philanthropic spirit of the Wedgwood Women’s Club, which has worked hard to establish the annual Christmas House Tours.
Shop with a Cop
On Dec. 5, 14 families were able to shop for holiday gifts thanks to the Washington Township Police Department establishing the Shop with a Cop Program. The shopping event was a great way for children to become more familiar with law enforcement in Washington Township, while also receiving gifts that they may not have otherwise received. Angelo’s Pizza was generous enough to donate their delicious pizza and gift certificates for all the families prior to shopping. I would like to also thank Officer Gary Egizi for his time and effort on putting this program together. These families were able to partake in some holiday festivities due to the generous donations from businesses and residents alike. I would like to thank Business Administrator Jason Gonter for representing my administration at this event. He expressed how joyful the children were and it is important to me all families have a chance to experience holiday fun in Washington Township.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
